On September 1, 2007, the YMCA of USA will move to a two level Swim Officials Certification program.

The new Level I Program is designed to train officials to be Stroke & Turn Judges, Relay Take-off Judges, Place Judges and Timers.

The new Level II Program is designed to train officials to take on the roles of Referee, Starter and Chief Judge

Current YMCA officials will be grandfathered into YMCA Level II officials. Current YMCA officials who are coming up to the end of their certification period will take the Level II course and use a shorter Level II recertification test

Certification will remain at 3 years, but each level will be required to officiate at least 12 sessions within the three years (Up to six USA sessions will count for those officials that are dual certified).

New officials (who are not USA certified) are required to start at Level I. They can move to level II certification after 1 year and a minimum of 8 worked sessions.

USA-S Certified Officials who meet the age and participation requirements for Level II may go directly into Level II without first becoming a Level I Certified Official. They would take the Level II Certification Test.

A list of upcoming Officials classes can be found at www.ymcacompetitiveswim.org - left hand menu, menu option Official Classes under For YMCA Officials or by following this link: Classes If you are looking for a class in your area, visit the web site frequently, since classes are updated regularly as the instructors schedule their training.

This course is designed to certify Swim Officials for YMCA Competitive Swimming in the areas of Stroke and Turn Judge, Relay Take-off Judge, Place Judge and Timer. The course focuses on the specific duties and responsibilities of the above officials prior to, during and after a Swim Meet. The course also reviews the facilities requirements for a meet, swimmer eligibility, and the roles of Chief Judge, Starter, and Referee.

Successful completion of a written examination/Online test is required for certification.

Expiration date: Three yearsPrerequisites:â€¢ Minimum age 21 â€¢ Associated with a YMCA sponsored Swim TeamBring: Proof of age and registration form signed by local YMCA Executive Director or his/her designee

This course is designed to certify Swim Officials for YMCA Competitive Swimming in the areas of Referee, Starter and Chief Judge. The course focuses on the specific duties and responsibilities of the above officials prior to, during and after a Swim Meet. The course also reviews the facilities and staffing requirements for a meet, rules for swimming various strokes, matters relating to eligibility and other key roles of the official.

Successful completion of a written examination/Online Test is required for certification.

Expiration date: Three yearsPrerequisites:â€¢ Certified YMCA Swim Official for at least one yearâ€¢ Officiate a minimum of 8 sessions as a certified YMCA Swim Official â€¢ Minimum age 21 â€¢ Associated with a YMCA sponsored Swim TeamBring: Proof of age, Meet Verification Forms and Registration Form signed by local YMCA Executive Director or his/her designee